child contact

[FTS123]

My EXH wants to talk about child contact having threatened to take me to court over it. He currently sees dcs every other weekend from after school Friday and drops them at school Monday. He also sees them one night in the week and picks them up from school and drops the back at school in the morning. I'm fine with this as it enables me to try and fit my job around not having the children.

He wants to change this to me picking them up for him and looking after them on his days until he finishes work. This means my work is limited as I work away for 3 days at a time.

If he did take me to court would they really make me pick them up for him? He says it's affecting his career but he's been doing it for the last 7 years while I was working when we were married. I don't want to spend any more money on solicitors or court so would I be able to represent myself?

If I'm being unreasonable please tell me! I know i can't force him to see them but I need to work too, I have bills to pay!

I suggested that he could arrange for a childminder or family member to pick them up if he can't. My partner picks them up for me when I'm away and it's my turn with them.

Just as I thought it was all over, been divorced a week!

[millymollymoomoo]

I'm not a legal person but based on what you say then I think he is BU. From what I have seen from friends in same situation their Exes have the responsibility for collecting from school/after school club etc on their days and if they cannot make it due to work commitments it is their responsibility to find suitable childcare. I think it unlikely a court would force you to have them until he could pick up. Unless there was something specific in the divorce agreement?
You have your own work and career to think of as well so its not just his that potentially suffers. For many full time working parents child minder/ASC is the only option and he will need to look into that himself.
I think you are being perfectly reasonable and should stick to your guns! Good luck

[Fourormore]

He needs to make his own childcare arrangements. He'd be bonkers to take you to court for what you've suggested above and I'd imagine any solicitor would tell him so. You're not his free childcare.

[coffeeisnectar]

That's madness. If he can't get there himself then he could organise an after school club or another parent/friend to do it for him.

You know, same as everyone else does.